Free Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Detectors For Seniors In Southold

MATTITUCK, NY —Seniors face an increased risk of dying in a house fire: While they represent 15% of the nation's population, they account for 40% of all fire-related deaths and have a 2.7 greater risk of dying in a fire than the total population, according to U.S. Fire Administration statistics.

And for those who are 85 and older, that risk increases: Seniors are 3.8% more likely to die in a fire, statistics indicate. In addition, more than $7 billion in property damage is seen every year, due to house fires — and three out of five home fire deaths happens in homes that either have no smoke detectors or no working smoke alarm, according to statistics. Also, more than 150 individuals die each year from accidental, non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning.

The statistics are sobering. To that end, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell announced the initiation of a new townwide fire safety program for seniors. He, along with Karen McLaughlin, director of the Southold Human Resource Center, announced the program Thursday at the senior center.

Sitting in a room brightly decorated with shamrocks and waiting to enjoy a lunch of gyros, the seniors listened intently to Russell, who presented the group with free carbon dioxide and smoke detectors, which have voice commands, and invited them to sign up for the town's program. Not only can seniors sign up for the smoke detectors, they can have them installed for free through the town's residential repair program, which affords home repair services to seniors at no charge. And, said McLaughlin, the town will record the date of installation and check up on the units to ensure they are still working down the line.

Seniors were thrilled to learn about the program. Smoke detectors are critical, said one man, who needs medical oxygen at home. Another said the cost of a new carbon dioxide detector was prohibitive, "especially when you're counting every penny."

According to McLaughlin, Russell "was instrumental" in securing the $5,000 in funding needed to purchase the combination smoke/carbon dioxide detector units through a Community Development Block Grant administered by Southold Town. The program is jointly funded by Southold, Suffolk County, and the New York State Offices for the Aging and U.S Administration of Community Living, McLaughlin said. Voluntary and anonymous donations are accepted and will be used to expand the program.

Priority will be given to the homebound elderly; all seniors who receive home meal delivery will be given details about fire safety, she said.

McLaughlin lauded Russell for his efforts to facilitate services for seniors. "We've never had a waiting list. If there's anything we ever need, he is there for us," she said. "You don't usually see me at the board meetings because I don't really need to go. We just call and explain what we need and he takes care of business."

"This program is the crown jewel of all of town government," Russell said, of the services offered to seniors. "I believe it's one of the most rewarding things we do as a town."

Speaking about the importance of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, Russell said: "My father was a detective for the Suffolk County Police Department and he worked for the arson squad. Whenever there was a fire, he was onsite. In many instances, those fires were accidental. What he saw were a lot of tragedies that took place, that didn't need to take place. Loss of life, injury — simply because people didn't have smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors. If there's a small initiative we can do that has a profound effect on our safety, we need to pursue it and make it available as far and wide as we can."

He added, "Keeping seniors safe in their own homes is a top priority and I am pleased we can contribute to seeing that happen."

McLaughlin also handed out safety sheets from the U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA, with tips for older adults and their caregivers.

Those tips said seniors should install and maintain smoke alarms on each level of the home, inside and outside sleeping areas; test them monthly and replace alkaline batteries at least once a year; and caregivers are encouraged to check the smoke alarms of those unable to do it themselves.

Next, seniors are urged to plan their escape in case of fire, with at least two exits from every room. Those who use a wheelchair or walker should check to ensure they can get through the doorway, the tips said. Also, unless instructed by the fire department, seniors should never use an elevator in a fire; those who live in a multi-story home should arrange to sleep on the ground floor near an exit.

Seniors were also warned to be careful around medical oxygen, never smoking or using a candle, match or other open flame near the oxygen; fireplaces, stoves, or other equipment fueled by gas, kerosene, wood or coal should also not be used nearby. Oil, grease, and petroleum based products should be kept away from oxygen valves because they can cause a spontaneous explosion.

Seniors were also warned against careless smoking, to watch food when cooking, not to overload outlets or extension cords and to properly maintain chimneys.

If you live in Southold Town and want to inquire about a smoke/carbon monoxide detector, call (631) 298-4460.